Device and method for maintaining a pressure reactor containment building

Abstract

Device and Method for Maintaining a Pressure Reactor Containment The present invention relates to a maintenance device (10) for a pressure reactor containment, comprising a connecting fitting (120) on a wall (20) of the containment, said connecting fitting (120) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) between an internal base (55) and an external base (60) and comprising: a) an insertion portion (65) intended to be positioned in a receiving recess (90) machined in the wall (20) of the containment, b) an external portion (70) intended to be positioned outside (30) of the containment and comprising a support element (105) intended to be placed opposite the wall (20) of the containment on a periphery (P) of the receiving recess (90), a fluid conduit (75) extending through the connecting fitting (120), a groove (88) of reception of a compression seal (100) being provided in the insertion portion,the maintenance device (10) comprising means for fixing said connecting branch (120) to the wall (20). Figure for the abbreviation: 4,

Description

Title of the invention: Device and method for maintaining a pressure reactor containment building

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance device for a pressure reactor containment, the maintenance device comprising a connecting fitting intended to be connected to a wall of the containment and a method of maintaining a pressure reactor, in particular a nuclear reactor, by means of such a device.

[0002] The containment structures of pressure reactors (also called pressurized fluid reactors), such as nuclear reactors, particularly steam generator containment structures, are equipped with one or more ports, in particular purge and / or drain ports. Such ports comprise a conduit extending through the containment wall, so as to allow fluid communication between an internal volume of the containment and the outside of the containment.

[0003] Generally, these connections are assembled in the factory, during the manufacture of the enclosure.

[0004] The assembly is most often carried out by welding.

[0005] Specific treatments can be carried out to limit the stresses induced by welding and to ensure the integrity and durability of the welds. These include preheating the enclosure before welding or heat treatments after welding.

[0006] Even if these specific treatments are implemented, the weld areas are points of weakness in the containment. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace a branch connection whose weld shows signs of wear during the operation of a pressure reactor containment.

[0007] US 9,978,467 describes the installation of a new branch assembled by welding.

[0008] However, replacing or creating a branch connection at the containment's point of use by means of a replacement or additional device assembled by welding is not satisfactory. Indeed, the treatments for limiting or relieving the stresses induced by welding are complex to implement, energy-intensive, and therefore difficult to carry out once the reactor containment is in place.

[0009] It is also known to decommission the existing branch by installing a suitable plug at the branch to be decommissioned. It is then possible to create a new branch in the containment, which is not always easy on the existing containment due to the spatial constraints of the reactor.

[0010] In addition, in the same way as before, the implementation of the heat treatments necessary for the repair or creation of a branch by welding may be difficult at the operating site of the reactor including the containment.

[0011] An object of the invention is then to propose a device and a method of maintenance of a pressure reactor enclosure, in particular of a steam generator enclosure, allowing the creation of a branch on a wall of the pressure reactor enclosure and / or the replacement of a branch formed on a wall of the pressure reactor enclosure, without dismantling the enclosure, the creation or replacement of the branch being easy to implement and inexpensive in energy.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a maintenance device for a pressure reactor containment building, the maintenance device comprising a branch connection intended to be attached to a wall of the containment building, said branch connection extending in a longitudinal direction between an internal base and an external base, said branch connection comprising: a) an insertion portion extending from the inner base in the longitudinal direction, the insertion portion being intended to be positioned in a receiving housing machined in the wall of the enclosure, b) an external portion extending in the longitudinal direction from the insertion portion to the external base, the external portion being intended to be positioned outside the enclosure and comprising a support element intended to be placed opposite the wall of the enclosure on a periphery of the receiving housing, a fluid conduit extending through the branch connection between a fluid outlet formed in the external base and a fluid inlet formed in the internal base, a receiving groove for a compression seal being provided in the insertion portion at the level of the internal base, the groove forming a closed contour around the fluid inlet, the maintenance device including means for fixing said branch to be attached to the wall, these fixing means being intended to bear on the support element so as to block the insertion portion in the receiving housing in translation along the longitudinal direction and thus compress the compression joint.

[0013] The installation of the maintenance device includes machining the enclosure to form the receiving housing for the insertion portion.

[0014] When the insertion portion is positioned in the receiving housing thus machined, the fluid line can be positioned in line with a line already formed in the wall of the enclosure, so as to create or restore the fluid connection between the inside and outside of the enclosure at the branch.

[0015] The support element then forms a support surface for the fastening means.

[0016] When the fastening means are in place, the insertion portion is locked into the receiving housing and the compression seal is compressed. A perfect seal is then ensured at the fluid outlet with the pre-existing pipe in the wall, without the need for welding.

[0017] The maintenance device according to the invention therefore allows the creation of a branch or the replacement of an existing branch at the place of use of the enclosure, without dismantling the enclosure, without energy-intensive heat treatment and without a welding step.

[0018] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the maintenance device comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0019] - the branch connection to be added is configured for replacing an existing branch connection on the wall, the insertion portion being intended to be positioned in a receiving housing machined in the wall of the enclosure at the level of the branch;

[0020] - the fastening means comprise a plurality of threaded elements intended to be each inserted: Mans a respective fixing hole passing through the support element in the longitudinal direction, as well as * in a respective threaded hole machined in the wall of the enclosure;

[0021] - the fastening means comprise a clamping piece and a plurality of threaded elements intended to be inserted, each: * in a respective fixing hole passing through the support element in the longitudinal direction (X), as well as * in a respective tapped hole machined in the clamping piece;

[0022] - the clamping part comprises:

[0023] i) a tubular wall extending along the longitudinal direction and internally delimiting a receiving channel for the insertion portion, the tubular wall having an internal axial end and an external axial end,

[0024] ii) a support flange projecting radially from the external axial end of the tubular wall,

[0025] the support flange being configured to be positioned between the support element and the wall, opposite the wall of the enclosure on the periphery of the receiving housing,

[0026] iii) at least one claw projecting radially from the internal axial end of the tubular wall,

[0027] the clamping piece having relative to the receiving housing:

[0028] * an insertion position, allowing the insertion of the internal axial end of the clamping piece, and

[0029] * a locking position, in which the claw or each claw cooperates with a shoulder of the receiving housing so as to block the clamping piece in translation relative to the wall in the longitudinal direction, the support element then also being blocked in translation relative to the wall in the longitudinal direction when the threaded elements are inserted both into the respective fixing holes and the respective tapped holes;

[0030] - the tubular wall is split by at least one notch extending along the direction longitudinal up to the internal axial end and allowing the clamping piece to pass from the insertion position to the locking position;

[0031] - the maintenance device includes a spacer piece on which is formed at least one locking pin, capable of being received in at least one notch, the spacer piece blocking the clamping piece in the locking position;

[0032] - the tubular wall is formed of a plurality of segments, each segment bearing a claw, the segments being independent of each other in the insertion position and being linked to each other via the spacer piece in the locking position.

[0033] The invention also relates to a method for maintaining a connection point in a pressure vessel of a reactor, the method comprising: a) the provision of a maintenance device comprising a connecting branch intended to be connected to a wall of the enclosure according to any of the preceding embodiments; b) machining in the wall of the enclosure of a receiving housing for the insertion portion of the branch to be added; c) the positioning of a compression seal in the groove; d) the insertion of the insertion portion into the receiving housing so that the fluid conduit can be in fluidic communication with an internal volume of the enclosure, either directly or via a conduit existing in the wall of the enclosure, the internal base then being in contact with a receiving base of the receiving housing; e) the fixing of the branch to be added to the enclosure by means of the fixing means, so that the compression joint is compressed between the insertion portion and the receiving base.

[0034] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the maintenance method comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0035] - the enclosure includes a tapping in place on the wall of the enclosure and the device maintenance supplied in a) is a device configured for replacing an existing branch fitting on the wall, the insertion portion being intended to be positioned in a receiving housing machined in the enclosure wall at the level of the branch connection, the method further comprising before machining b) in the enclosure wall of the receiving housing of the receiving portion of the branch connection to be added:

[0036] f) the removal of at least part of said tapping in place on the wall of the enclosure by machining;

[0037] - the tapping in place on the wall of the enclosure includes a weld with the wall of the enclosure and the removal f) includes the removal of this weld;

[0038] - the maintenance device provided in a) is a device in which the means The fastening methods include a plurality of threaded elements as described above, the method further comprising:

[0039] g) machining of tapped holes in the wall of the enclosure configured to be placed opposite the through fixing holes of the maintenance device (10),

[0040] the fixing e) of the maintenance device further comprising screwing the threaded elements into the respective tapped holes after their insertion into the respective through fixing holes;

[0041] - the maintenance device provided in a) is a device comprising a part of bridle as described above,

[0042] the method further comprising, before or simultaneously with the insertion d) of the insertion portion, the insertion of the clamping piece into the receiving housing (90);

[0043] - the maintenance device provided in a) is a device according to any embodiments described above comprising a clamping part which includes a tubular wall, a support flange and at least one claw as described above, machining b) of the receiving housing including machining of the shoulder,

[0044] the clamping piece being placed in the insertion position for its insertion into the receiving housing,

[0045] the method further comprising passing the clamping piece into the locking position after its insertion into the receiving housing.

[0046] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0047] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wall of a pressure reactor containment building including a branch to be replaced;

[0048] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wall of a pressure reactor enclosure comprising a retained fraction of a branch to be replaced, another portion of the branch to be replaced having been eliminated and replaced by a maintenance device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0049] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a three-dimensional view of the elements shown in [Fig.2],

[0050] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view similar to that of [Fig.2], but in which the elements are exploded.

[0051] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the wall of a pressure reactor enclosure comprising a retained fraction of a branch to be replaced, another portion of the branch to be replaced having been eliminated and replaced by the maintenance device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0052] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is an exploded cross-sectional view of the elements shown in [Fig.5].

[0053] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a top view of [Fig.5], in which only the part of The bridle and fastening methods have been retained.

[0054] The invention relates to a maintenance device 10 of a pressure reactor enclosure, the maintenance device 10 comprising a connecting fitting 120 intended to be connected to a wall 20 of a pressure reactor enclosure (not shown in detail).

[0055] The pressure reactor is, for example, a nuclear reactor.

[0056] The reactor containment is for example a steam generator containment, a primary circuit containment or a reactor pressurizer containment.

[0057] The enclosure includes a wall 20 which delimits an internal volume 25 in relation to a surrounding medium 30.

[0058] The internal volume 25 is configured to receive a heat transfer fluid in a sealed manner.

[0059] The heat transfer fluid is, for example, water.

[0060] The surrounding medium 30 is, for example, air.

[0061] The wall 20 extends between an internal face 20A on the side of the internal volume 25 and a external face 20B exposed to the surrounding environment 30 over a thickness e.

[0062] The wall 20 is for example made of a metallic material such as ferritic steel, in particular stainless steel.

[0063] The enclosure can be equipped with at least one 15mm jack.

[0064] The 15 branch is configured for example for purging and / or draining the enclosure.

[0065] The branch 15 is for example assembled to the wall 20 of the enclosure by means of one or more welds 37.

[0066] An embodiment of a branch 15 is shown in [Fig.1].

[0067] The branch 15 includes a fluid conduit 35 extending through the wall 20 between an outlet face 40 of the branch 15 and an inlet face 45 of the branch 15.

[0068] The fluid conduit 35 is configured to allow fluid communication between the internal volume 25 and the surrounding medium 30 or a device positioned in the surrounding medium 30.

[0069] The exit face 40 can protrude from the wall 20 into the surrounding medium 30, as shown in [Fig.1].

[0070] The inlet face 45 can be positioned within the thickness of the wall 20, between the internal face 20A and external face 20B. In this case, an internal fluid channel 20C is machined in the wall 20 and opens at an outlet face 20C1, and the inlet face 45 is positioned opposite the outlet face 20C1.

[0071] The inlet face 45 can alternatively be positioned directly at the level of the inner face 20A.

[0072] The conduit 35, and / or where applicable the internal conduit 20C, can each extend in a direction orthogonal to the internal face 20A and / or to the external face 20B.

[0073] The conduit 35, and / or where applicable the internal conduit 20C, can also each extend in an inclined direction at an angle other than 90° relative to the internal face 20A and / or the external face 20B. This situation is represented in [Fig. 1].

[0074] The conduit 35, and / or where applicable the internal conduit 20C, may each comprise several sections extending in different directions. This situation is represented for the internal conduit 20C in [Fig.2].

[0075] During the operation of the reactor, it may become necessary to replace the tap 15, in particular if it shows signs of wear due to the operating conditions of the containment, or if this tap 15 has reached the life for which it is qualified.

[0076] In particular, if at least a portion of a weld 37 has a crack 50, the tapping 15 can be considered defective and must be replaced to allow continued operation of the pressure reactor containment.

[0077] Fig. 1 represents an example of defective tapping 15.

[0078] The maintenance device 10 according to the invention can be configured to allow the replacement of the tapping 15 on the enclosure in place in the pressure reactor.

[0079] Alternatively, the maintenance device 10 can be implemented to create a new branch in the absence of a pre-existing branch 15 or after plugging a pre-existing branch 15 which it is desired to keep plugged.

[0080] The maintenance device 10 includes the connecting branch 120, intended to be connected to the wall 20 of the enclosure and extending along a longitudinal direction X between an internal base 55 and an external base 60.

[0081] The connecting piece 120 comprises an insertion portion 65 extending from the internal base 55 along the longitudinal direction X, an external portion 70 extending along the longitudinal direction X from the insertion portion to the external base 60, a fluid conduit 75 extending through the branch fitting 120 between a fluid outlet 80 formed in the external base 60 and a fluid inlet 85 formed in the internal base 55, a groove 88 provided in the insertion portion 65 at the level of the internal base 55 and configured for receiving a compression seal 100, as well as fixing means 95 configured for fixing the branch fitting 120 with the wall 20.

[0082] The internal base 55 is for example intended to be positioned opposite an outlet face 20C2 of the internal conduit 20C, so as to ensure fluid communication between the internal conduit 20C and the fluid conduit 75 at the level of the fluid inlet 85.

[0083] The external base 60 is intended to be positioned projecting from the wall 20 in the surrounding medium 30.

[0084] A first embodiment of the maintenance device 10 is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4.

[0085] The insertion portion 65 extends from the internal base 55 along the longitudinal direction X.

[0086] In the case where the maintenance device 10 is configured to allow the replacement of the branch 15, the insertion portion 65 is intended to be positioned in a receiving housing 90 machined in the wall 20 of the enclosure at the branch 15 to be replaced from the external face 20B of the wall 20, as will be described later.

[0087] In the case where the maintenance device 10 is configured to allow the creation of a new branch, the insertion portion 65 is intended to be positioned in a receiving housing 90 machined in the wall 20 of the enclosure at the desired location for the creation of this new branch.

[0088] In the first embodiment, the reception housing 90 is for example complementary to the insertion portion 65.

[0089] The insertion portion 65 is traversed from one end to the other by an internal fraction 75A of the fluid conduit 75, which extends to the fluid inlet 85.

[0090] A direction along which the internal fraction 75A extends may be parallel to the longitudinal direction X, as shown in figures 2 to 4.

[0091] Alternatively, the direction in which the internal fraction 75A extends can be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X, on the principle shown in [Fig.1].

[0092] The groove 88 is formed, for example by machining, in the insertion portion 65 at the level of the internal base 55.

[0093] The groove 88 is configured to receive a compression seal 100.

[0094] The groove 88 forms a closed contour around the fluid inlet 85, so that when a compression seal 100 is actually received in the groove 88 and compressed, fluid sealing is ensured at the level of the internal base 55.

[0095] In the examples in Figures 2 to 4, the groove 88 is annular in shape.

[0096] In this case, the compression seal 100 is for example toroidal.

[0097] The external portion 70 of the connecting piece 120 extends along the longitudinal direction X from the insertion portion 65 to the external base 60.

[0098] The external portion 70 is intended to be positioned outside the enclosure, i.e. projecting from the wall 20 on the side of the surrounding middle 30, as can be seen in figures 2 to 4.

[0099] The external portion 70 is traversed from one end to the other by an external fraction 75B of the fluid conduit 75, which extends to the fluid outlet 80.

[0100] The external fraction 75B extends the internal fraction 75A, so that the fluid conduit 75 formed by the internal fraction 75A and the external fraction 75B effectively extends through the branch to be added 120 between the fluid outlet 80 and the fluid inlet 85.

[0101] A direction along which the external fraction 75B extends may be parallel to the longitudinal direction X, as shown in Figures 2 to 4.

[0102] Alternatively, the direction in which the external fraction 75B extends can be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X, on the principle shown in [Fig.1].

[0103] The external portion 70 includes a support element 105 intended to be placed opposite the wall 20 of the enclosure on a periphery P of the receiving housing 90.

[0104] To this end, the support element 105 projects radially from the outer fraction 75B of the fluid conduit 75 and extends in the longitudinal direction X along at least part of the outer fraction 75B.

[0105] The support element 105 is for example made of material with at least part of the external fraction 75B.

[0106] In a particular embodiment, the fluid conduit 75 is monobloc and the support element 105 is formed from the same material as the fluid conduit 75.

[0107] In the example of figures 2 to 4, the support element 105 is annular.

[0108] In this first embodiment, the fastening means 95 comprise a plurality of threaded elements 95A intended to be inserted, each: - in a respective fixing hole 110 passing through the support element 105 in the longitudinal direction X, as well as - in a respective tapped hole 115 machined in the wall 20 of the enclosure.

[0109] A plurality of fixing holes 110 are therefore, in this first embodiment, machined through the support element 105.

[0110] The fixing holes 110 extend for example along the longitudinal direction X, as seen in [Fig.4].

[0111] The fixing holes 110 can be tapped and / or smooth.

[0112] The fixing holes 110 can be equidistributed on the support element 105.

[0113] In the first embodiment, the fixing holes 110 are configured to be positioned opposite the respective tapped holes 115 machined in the wall 20 from the external face 20B.

[0114] On [Fig.3], the support element 105 includes four through fixing holes 110, equidistributed and positioned opposite four respective tapped holes 115 equidistributed along the periphery P of the receiving housing 90.

[0115] In the first embodiment, the fastening means 95 comprise the plurality of threaded elements 95A and are therefore removable.

[0116] When the threaded elements 95A are in place, each in a fixing hole 110 and in a respective tapped hole 115, so as to bear on the support element 105, the insertion portion 65 is positioned in the receiving housing 90 and blocked in translation along the longitudinal direction X relative to the wall 20, so that the compression seal 100 is compressed and thus ensures sealing.

[0117] The threaded element 95A is, for example, an anchor stud fitted with a nut 95B.

[0118] Such an anchor stud can be screwed into the respective tapped hole 115 extending into the wall 20 after passing through the fixing hole 110. The nut 95B can then be positioned bearing against the support element 105 so as to compress a compression seal 100 received in the groove 88 and to prevent any translation along the longitudinal direction X of the insertion portion 65 and the external portion 70.

[0119] It is therefore understood that the fixing means 95 allow the insertion portion 65 to be locked in the receiving housing 90 and that the branch to be added 120 is linked to the wall 20 since the tapped holes 115 are machined in this wall 20.

[0120] The number and position of the fixing means 95, the fixing holes 110 and the respective tapped holes 115, as well as the tightening intensity of the threaded elements 95A can be chosen according to the quality of sealing required at the compression joint 100.

[0121] We will now describe a method for maintaining the containment of a pressure reactor using the first embodiment of the maintenance device 10.

[0122] The maintenance method includes: a) a step of supplying the maintenance device 10 including a connecting branch 120 intended to be connected to the wall 20 of the enclosure according to the first embodiment; b) a machining step in the wall 20 of the enclosure of the receiving housing 90 of the insertion portion 65 of the branch to be added 120; c) the positioning of the compression joint 100 in the groove 88 provided in the insertion portion 65; d) an insertion step of the insertion portion 65 into the receiving housing 90, so that the fluid line 75 is in fluidic communication with the internal volume 25 of the enclosure, either directly or via a line existing in the wall 20 of the enclosure, the internal base 55 then being in contact with a receiving base 90A of the receiving housing 90; e) the fixing of the branch to be added 120 on the enclosure by means of the fixing means 95, so that the compression joint 100 is compressed between the insertion portion 65 and the receiving base 90A.

[0123] The supply of the maintenance device 10 includes the choice of a maintenance device 10 whose dimensions are adapted in relation to the dimensions of the branch 15.

[0124] The supply of the maintenance device 10 includes the choice of a maintenance device 10 formed in one or more materials compatible with the wall 20 and with the use of the enclosure.

[0125] If the wall 20 is metallic, for example made of ferritic steel, in particular stainless steel, the fluid conduit 75 and the support element 105 are metallic and can be made, for example, of ferritic steel, in particular stainless steel.

[0126] In the case where the maintenance device 10 is configured to allow the creation of a new branch, at the end of step d) of insertion of the insertion portion 65 into the receiving housing 90, the fluid line 75 can be in fluidic communication with the internal volume 25 of the enclosure directly or via an existing internal line in the wall 20 of the enclosure.

[0127] In the case where the maintenance device 10 is configured to allow the replacement of the branch 15 in place on the wall 20 of the enclosure, the maintenance method further includes, before the machining step b) in the wall 20 of the enclosure, the receiving housing 90 of the receiving portion 65 of the branch to be replaced 120: f) the removal of at least part of the tapping 15 in place on the wall 20 of the enclosure by machining.

[0128] The removal step includes machining the branch 15 so as to eliminate defective areas such as cracks 50, including the entirety of a defective weld 37.

[0129] In a particular embodiment, the entire tapping 15 is eliminated so that the receiving base 90A is formed at the exit face 20C1 where applicable or at the internal face 20A.

[0130] In this case, at the end of step d) of insertion of the insertion portion 65 into the receiving housing 90, the fluid line 75 can be in fluidic communication with the internal volume 25 of the enclosure via the internal line 20C existing in the wall 20 of the enclosure.

[0131] Alternatively, a sound fraction of the branch 15 can be retained so that the receiving base 90A is subsequently formed between the inlet face 45 and the outlet face 40 of the conduit 35.

[0132] In this case, at the end of step d) of insertion of the insertion portion 65 into the receiving housing 90, the fluid line 75 can be in fluidic communication with the internal volume 25 of the enclosure via the sound fraction of the line 35 existing in the wall 20 of the enclosure.

[0133] Once the removal has been carried out, the receiving housing 90 is machined.

[0134] Machining of the receiving housing 90 includes forming the receiving base 90A.

[0135] Advantageously, the receiving base 90A is flat and extends parallel to the external face 20B, so that the internal base 55 can be positioned in planar support on the receiving base 90A.

[0136] Machining the receiving housing 90 may include removing part of the wall 20 so as to form a new exit face 20C2 recessed from the exit face 20C1, the receiving base 90A being formed at the exit face 20C2.

[0137] The shape and dimensions of the receiving housing 90 can be chosen so that at least a lower fraction of the insert portion 65 is complementary to a lower part 90B of the receiving housing 90.

[0138] In the example of [Fig.4], the receiving housing 90 comprises the lower part 90B on the side of the receiving base 90 along the longitudinal direction X and an upper part 90C flared on the opposite side.

[0139] In the first embodiment, the method also includes a step of machining the tapped holes 115 in the wall 20, so that each tapped hole 115 can be positioned opposite a respective fixing hole 110.

[0140] Advantageously, the tapped holes 115 are machined along an axis intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0141] Advantageously, the tapped holes 115 are equidistributed along the periphery P of the receiving housing 90.

[0142] Once the wall 20 has been machined, a compression seal 100 is positioned in the groove 88.

[0143] The compression seal 100 is chosen according to the use of the enclosure. It is, for example, an expanded graphite seal or a metal seal.

[0144] The insertion portion 65 is then introduced into the receiving housing 90, until the internal base 55 is in contact with the receiving base 90A, so that the fluid conduit 75 is in fluidic communication with the internal volume 25, either directly or via the internal conduit 20C of the wall 20 and / or a portion of the conduit 35 which has been retained.

[0145] Preferably, the internal base 55 is then in planar support on the receiving base 90A.

[0146] Then each of the threaded elements 95A is inserted into a respective fixing hole 110 and then screwed into a respective tapped hole 115, until the threaded element 95A bears against the support element 105 and thus compresses the compression joint 100.

[0147] Where appropriate, compression is achieved by means of nuts 95B, each screwed onto the respective threaded element 95A.

[0148] Since the seal is ensured by the compression seal 100, it is possible but not necessary for the support element 105 to be in contact with the external face 20B of the enclosure after screwing.

[0149] In the examples of figures 2 and 3, the support element 105 is therefore not in contact with the external face 20B which locally has a complex geometry, without the performance of the maintenance device 10 being affected.

[0150] It should be noted that the example has been described with reference to a branch 15 of the purge or drainage type. The roles of the inlets and outlets will simply be reversed in the case of a fluid inlet branch into the enclosure.

[0151] The method and device 10 for maintaining the branch 15 according to the first embodiment can be implemented on the enclosure in place, without dismantling the enclosure.

[0152] The external assembly of the maintenance device 10, by simple screwing, is easy to implement and allows control of the compression level of the compression seal 100, or even the subsequent easy replacement of this seal if necessary.

[0153] The machining step of the receiving housing 90 allows the enclosure to be adapted simply to the maintenance device 10 chosen from the existing branch, with a limited impact on the structure of the enclosure, therefore without excessive weakening.

[0154] The maintenance device 10 can be put in place at the level of an external face 20B which is not locally flat, in particular by machining a flat receiving base 90A.

[0155] No welding is required thanks to the implementation of the compression joint 100.

[0156] Optionally, in the case where the maintenance method is implemented for the creation of a new branch, the maintenance method may include a step of plugging a pre-existing branch 15 at a different position of the new branch on the wall 20.

[0157] A second embodiment of the maintenance device 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0158] The maintenance device 10 according to this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fastening means 95 comprise a clamping piece 125, and a plurality of threaded elements 95A intended to be inserted, each: - in a respective fixing hole 110 passing through the support element 105 in the longitudinal direction X, as well as - in a respective tapped hole 115 machined in the clamping piece 125.

[0159] A particular embodiment of the clamping part 125 is shown in more detail in figures 6 and 7.

[0160] In a particular embodiment, the clamping part 125 comprises: - a tubular wall 129 extending along the longitudinal direction X and internally delimiting at least one receiving channel 130 of the insertion portion 65, the tubular wall 129 having an internal axial end and an external axial end, - a support flange 125A projecting radially from the external axial end of the tubular wall 129 and configured to be positioned between the support element 105 and the wall 20, opposite the wall 20 of the enclosure on the periphery P of the receiving housing 90, and - at least one claw 135 projecting radially from the internal axial end of the tubular wall 129, the support flange 125A being configured to be positioned between the support element 105 and the wall 20, opposite the wall 20 of the enclosure on the periphery P of the receiving housing 90.

[0161] The receiving channel 130 is a receiving channel for the internal fraction 75A of the fluid line 75.

[0162] The internal fraction 75A is therefore intended to be inserted into the receiving housing 90 through the receiving channel 130.

[0163] An internal portion 129A of the tubular wall 129 thus forms an interface between the receiving housing 90 and the internal fraction 75A of the conduit 75 formed in the branch to be added 120.

[0164] The receiving housing 90 is for example complementary to the assembly formed by the insertion portion 65 and the fraction of the clamping piece 125 which surrounds this insertion portion 65.

[0165] As can be seen in figures 5 to 7, the tubular wall 129 of the clamping piece 125 is formed in this second embodiment by the assembly of a plurality of segments 145, an internal concave wall 145A of each of these segments 145 forming part of the tubular wall 129.

[0166] The segments 145 are independent of each other in an insertion position of the clamping piece 125, the insertion position allowing the insertion of the clamping piece 125 into the receiving housing 90. The segments 145 are linked to each other in a locking position of the clamping piece 125 which will be described later.

[0167] The support flange 125A projects radially from the external axial end of the tubular wall 129.

[0168] As can be seen in [Fig.6], an external portion 129B of the tubular wall 129 thus forms an interface between the receiving housing 90 and a part of the external fraction 75B of the conduit 75 formed in the branch to be added 120, this part extending under the support element 105.

[0169] The support flange 125A is configured to be placed between the support element 105 and the wall 20 of the enclosure, opposite the wall 20 of the enclosure on the periphery P of the receiving housing 90.

[0170] The support flange 125A therefore forms an interface between the support element 105 and the external face 20B, the support element 105 being intended to come into contact with the support flange 125A, the latter being opposite the external face 20B on the periphery P of the receiving housing 90.

[0171] The support flange 125A is then able to transmit support forces exerted by the support element 105 on the support flange 125A to the wall 20 via at least one claw 135, to which the support flange 125A is attached.

[0172] At least one claw 135 projects radially from the internal axial end of the tubular wall 129.

[0173] In the example of figures 5 to 7, a claw 135 is formed on each of the segments 145.

[0174] Each claw 135 is designed to engage with a shoulder 90D of the receiving housing 90, so as to lock the clamping piece 125 in translation relative to the wall 20 along the longitudinal direction X, the support element 105 also being locked in translation relative to the wall 20 along the longitudinal direction X when the threaded elements 95A are inserted into both the respective fixing holes 110 and the respective tapped holes 115. Thus, the clamping piece 125 has, relative to the receiving housing 90: - an insertion position, which allows the insertion of the clamping piece 125 into the receiving housing 90; and - a locking position, in which the claw or claws 135 cooperate with the shoulder 90D of the receiving housing 90 so as to lock the clamping piece 125 in translation relative to the wall 20 along the longitudinal direction X, the support element 105 then also being locked in translation relative to the wall 20 along the longitudinal direction X when the threaded elements 95A are inserted into both the respective fixing holes 110 and the respective tapped holes 115.

[0175] In this second embodiment, the fastening means 95 allow the clamping piece 125 to be linked to the wall 20, in particular by means of at least one claw 135, as well as to link the support portion 105 to the clamping piece 125. As a result, the maintenance device 10 can be fixed to the wall 20, the forces exerted by the support element 105 on the support flange 125A being transferred to the wall 20 by this support flange 125A.

[0176] When the clamping piece 125 is in the locking position, the spaces separating two successive segments 145 constitute respective notches 140, each extending along the longitudinal direction X over the entire height of the clamping piece 125 along this direction.

[0177] The maintenance device 10 may include a spacer piece 150 on which at least one locking stud 155 is formed.

[0178] In this case, a recess 160, visible on [Fig.6], can be provided in the support flange 125A so that the or each stud 155 is positioned in at least one respective notch 140 when the spacer piece 150 is received in the recess 160.

[0179] Positioning the spacer piece 150 in the recess 160 thus allows the clamping piece 125 to be placed in the locking position.

[0180] The spacer piece 150 allows in particular to keep each of the segments 145 in place, in contact with the shoulder 90D, after insertion of the claws 135 into the receiving housing 90, so that the clamping piece 125 remains in the locking position.

[0181] In this second embodiment, the tapped holes 115 are formed in the clamping piece 125, in the support flange 125A.

[0182] In this case, it is possible not to form a tapped hole 115 in the wall 20.

[0183] It is understood that in this second embodiment as in the first In this embodiment, the means of attachment 95 are removable.

[0184] A person skilled in the art could easily adapt one of these embodiments to implement partially or totally permanent 95 fastening means.

[0185] The maintenance method with the maintenance device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from that which has been described for the first embodiment as follows.

[0186] For the machining step of the receiving housing 90, this step includes the formation of the shoulder 90D with which the claw(s) 135 are intended to cooperate.

[0187] For this second embodiment, the maintenance method further includes the insertion of the clamping piece 125 into the receiving housing 90 before the insertion of the insertion portion 65.

[0188] For this purpose, the clamping piece 125 can, if necessary, first be placed in the insertion position, with the segments 145 separated from each other. In this case, the clamping piece 125 is then inserted segment by segment 145 into the receiving housing 90, until the claw(s) 135 engage with the shoulder 90D.

[0189] Where appropriate, the spacer piece 150 is positioned in the recess 160, each stud 155 then being received in a notch 140, so as to move the clamping piece 125 from the insertion position to the locking position.

[0190] Once the clamping piece 125 is in the locking position, the connecting branch 120 is inserted into the receiving channel 130. In particular, the internal portion 75A of the conduit 75 is inserted into the internal portion of the receiving channel 130.

[0191] Finally, the removable 95 fastening means are put in place.

[0192] In a particular embodiment of the fastening step, the threaded elements 95A are screwed through the fixing holes 110 into the tapped holes 115 formed in the support flange 125A of the clamping part 125.

[0193] The cooperation of the claws 135, which engage with the shoulder 90D on the opposite side of the support flange 125A, allows the support forces exerted by the support element 105 on the support flange 125A to be transferred to the wall 20 itself so as to compress the compression seal 100 present in the groove 88 of the insertion portion 65 to ensure fluid sealing.

[0194] The presence of the claws 135 is sufficient to link the fixing device 10 with the wall 20, without it being necessary to machine tapped holes 115 in the wall 20 itself.

[0195] This embodiment therefore limits the risks of weakening the enclosure and allows a faster machining step of the enclosure.

[0196] A third embodiment of the maintenance device 10 (not shown) will now be described.

[0197] The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the clamping piece 125 comprises a single-piece tubular wall 129 and not formed of independent segments 145.

[0198] In this case, the tubular wall 129 is split by at least one notch 140 which extends along the longitudinal direction X to the internal axial end of the wall 129, only over a fraction of the height of the clamping piece 125 along this direction.

[0199] The notch or notches 140 are then configured to allow the passage of the clamping piece 125 from the insertion position to the locking position, in particular by elastic deformation of the clamping piece 125.

[0200] If the maintenance method is implemented with a maintenance device 10 according to this third embodiment, for the insertion of the insertion portion 65 into the receiving housing 90, the clamping piece 125 is first placed in the insertion position, for example by elastic deformation.

[0201] The clamping piece 125 is then inserted into the receiving housing 90, until the claw or claws 135 are engaged with the shoulder 90D.

[0202] The connecting piece 120 can be inserted into the receiving channel 130 before or after the introduction of the clamping piece 125 into the receiving housing 90.

[0203] Finally, the clamping piece 125 is allowed to return to the locking position by elastic deformation or with the help of the spacer piece 150 if necessary.

[0204] Alternatively, the clamping piece 125 is moved from the insertion position to the locking position by plastic deformation.

[0205] In a fourth embodiment (not shown), the branch 15 to be replaced is a so-called "reserve" branch, that is to say a blocked branch which could possibly be unblocked later for its fluidic communication with the internal volume 25.

[0206] Such a spare connection may require replacement, for the same reasons as those mentioned above.

[0207] In this embodiment, the fluid conduit 75 extending through the branch connection 120 is partially or totally closed.

[0208] The fluid conduit 75 is for example closed at its external base 80 or its internal base 85 or even over a fraction or the entire fluid conduit 75 between the external base 80 and the internal base 85.

[0209] The sealing means used to seal the fluid line 75 can be configured to be removed when necessary, so that the fluid line 75 is in fluidic communication with the internal volume 25 directly or via the internal line 20C and / or the retained line 35, and this in particular without it being necessary to dismantle the maintenance device 10 fixed with the wall 20.

Claims

Demands

1. Maintenance device (10) for a pressure reactor containment building, the maintenance device (10) comprising a branch connection (120) intended to be attached to a wall (20) of the containment building, said branch connection (120) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) between an inner base (55) and an outer base (60), said branch connection (120) comprising: a) an insertion portion (65) extending from the inner base (55) in the longitudinal direction (X), the insertion portion (65) being intended to be positioned in a receiving recess (90) machined in the wall (20) of the containment building, b) an outer portion (70) extending in the longitudinal direction from the insertion portion to the outer base (60),the external portion (70) being intended to be positioned outside (30) of the enclosure and comprising a support element (105) intended to be placed opposite the wall (20) of the enclosure on a periphery (P) of the receiving housing (90), a fluid conduit (75) extending through the branch connection (120) between a fluid outlet (80) formed in the external base (60) and a fluid inlet (85) formed in the internal base (55), a groove (88) for receiving a compression seal (100) being provided in the insertion portion at the level of the internal base (55), the groove (88) forming a closed contour around the fluid inlet (85), the maintenance device (10) comprising means for fixing (95) said branch connection (120) to the wall (20),these fastening means (95) are intended to bear against the support element (105) so as to lock the insertion portion (65) in the receiving housing (90) in translation along the longitudinal direction (X) and thus compress the compression joint (100).

2. Maintenance device (10) according to claim 1, wherein said add-on tap (120) is configured for the replacement of a tap (15) in place on the wall (20), the insertion portion (65) being intended to be positioned in a receiving housing (90) machined in the wall (20) of the enclosure at the tap (15).

3. Maintenance device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fastening means (95) comprise a plurality of threaded elements (95A) intended to be inserted each: - into a respective fastening hole (110) through the support element (105) in the longitudinal direction (X), and - into a respective tapped hole (115) machined in the wall (20) of the enclosure.

4. Maintenance device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fastening means (95) comprise a clamping piece (125) and a plurality of threaded elements (95A) intended to be inserted each: - into a respective fastening hole (110) through the support element (105) in the longitudinal direction (X), and - into a respective tapped hole (115) machined in the clamping piece (125).

5. Maintenance device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the clamping piece (125) comprises: i) a tubular wall (129) extending along the longitudinal direction (X) and internally delimiting a receiving channel (130) for the insertion portion (65), the tubular wall (129) having an internal axial end and an external axial end, ii) a support flange (125A) projecting radially from the external axial end of the tubular wall (129), the support flange (125A) being configured to be positioned between the support element (105) and the wall (20), opposite the wall (20) of the enclosure on the periphery (P) of the receiving housing (90), iii) at least one claw (135) projecting radially from the internal axial end of the tubular wall (129), the piece bridle (125) having, relative to the receiving housing (90): * an insertion position,allowing the insertion of the internal axial end of the clamping piece (125), and * a locking position, in which the claw or each claw (135) cooperates with a shoulder (90D) of the receiving housing (90) so as to lock the clamping piece (125) in translation relative to the wall (20) along the longitudinal direction (X), the support element (105) is then also locked in translation relative to the wall (20) along the longitudinal direction (X) when, the threaded elements (95A) are inserted into both the respective fixing holes (110) and the respective tapped holes (115).

6. Maintenance device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the tubular wall (129) is split by at least one notch (140) extending along the longitudinal direction (X) to the internal axial end and allowing the passage of the clamping piece (125) from the insertion position to the locking position.

7. Maintenance device (10) according to claim 6, comprising a spacer piece (150) on which is formed at least one locking pin (155), capable of being received in at least one notch (140), the spacer piece (150) locking the clamping piece (125) in the locking position.

8. Maintenance device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the tubular wall (129) is formed of a plurality of segments (145), each segment (145) carrying a claw (135), the segments (145) being independent of each other in the insertion position and being linked to each other via the spacer piece (150) in the locking position.

9. Method for maintaining a pressure reactor containment, the method comprising: a) providing a maintenance device (10) including a tapping to be added (120) intended to be added to a wall (20) of the containment according to any one of the preceding claims; b) machining in the wall (20) of the containment a receiving housing (90) for the insertion portion (65) of the tapping to be added (120); c) the positioning of a compression seal (100) in the groove (88), d) the insertion of the insertion portion (65) into the receiving housing (90) so that the fluid conduit (75) can be fluidic communication with an internal volume (25) of the enclosure, either directly or via a conduit (20C, 35) existing in the wall (20) of the enclosure, the internal base (55) then being in contact with a receiving base (90A) of the receiving housing (90);e) the fixing of the branch to be added (120) on the enclosure by means of the fixing means (95), so that the compression joint; (100) is compressed between the insertion portion (65) and the receiving base (90A).

10. A method for maintaining a pressure reactor containment according to the preceding claim, wherein the containment includes a tapping (15) in place on the wall (20) of the containment and the maintenance device (10) supplied in a) is a device according to claim 2, the method further comprising before machining b) in the wall (20) of the containment of the receiving housing (90) of the receiving portion (65) of the tapping to be added (120): f) the removal of at least a portion of said tapping (15) in place on the wall (20) of the containment by machining.

11. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the tapping (15) in place on the wall (20) of the enclosure includes a weld (37) with the wall (20) of the enclosure and the removal f) includes the removal of this weld (37).

12. A maintenance method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the maintenance device (10) provided in a) is a device according to claim 3, the method further comprising: g) machining tapped holes (115) in the wall (20) of the enclosure configured to be positioned opposite the through-fixing holes (110) of the maintenance device (10), e) fixing the maintenance device (10) further comprising screwing the threaded elements (95A) into the respective tapped holes (115) after their insertion into the respective through-fixing holes (110).

13. Maintenance method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the maintenance device (10) provided in a) is a device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, the method further comprising, before or simultaneously with the insertion d) of the insertion portion (65), the insertion of the clamping piece (125) into the receiving housing (90).

14. Maintenance method according to the preceding claim, wherein the maintenance device (10) provided in a) is a device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, machining b) of the receiving housing (90) comprising machining of the shoulder (90D), with the clamping piece (125) placed in the insertion position for insertion into the receiving housing (90), the method further includes passing the clamping piece (125) into the locking position after its insertion into the receiving housing (90).

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